Methods, systems, and products for providing communications services

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for providing communications services. Caller identification information associated with a call to a called number is received. A profile database is queried for a profile associated with the called number. The profile is queried for the caller identification information. When the profile contains the caller identification information, then a customized message, associated with the caller identification information, is retrieved.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/802,085, filed Mar. 16, 2004 and entitled “Methods, Systems, andProducts for Providing Communications Services” (Attorney Docket 00097CIP 1), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.09/753,234, filed Dec. 29, 2000 and entitled “Web-Based Messaging Systemwith Caller-Specific Messages” (Attorney Docket 00097), with eachapplication incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its figurescontain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright ownerhas no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdocument or the patent disclosure, but otherwise reserves all copyrightswhatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to electrical computers,telecommunications, telephonic communications, electrical communicationsand, more particularly, to messaging systems.

2. Description of the Related Art

The term “voice mail” is often utilized to refer to systems whereinparties may leave spoken messages for one another that are stored andretrieved at a later time. Voice mail is also utilized to refer tospoken messages attached to electronic mail communications.

Telephone answering systems are an example of a voice mail system. In aconventional telephone answering system a user records a greeting thatis replayed to incoming callers if the user does not answer thetelephone. Generally, the answering system allows an incoming caller torecord a spoken message that may be retrieved and listened to at a latertime.

Although widely utilized, telephone answering systems have not advancedto a significant degree. The United States patent literature disclosesseveral approaches to improving telephone answering systems and theircomponents. U.S. Pat. No. 5,278,894 to Shaw, the disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method andapparatus for providing customized greeting messages from a switch basedvoice messaging service. U.S. Pat. No. 6,067,355, to Lim et al., thedisclosure of which is also hereby incorporated herein by reference,discloses a caller-ID device and/or integrated caller-ID and answeringmachine device which is configurable 1) to play pre-recordedannouncement for the user when the caller ID information received overthe PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) corresponds to storedinformation indicating an important caller; 2) to play a pre-recorded“block-the-blocker” outgoing message for the caller when ablocked-caller-ID code is received; and/or 3) to play a pre-recorded“reject call” outgoing message for the caller when the caller-IDinformation corresponds to stored information indicating an undesirablecaller.

There are several methods and products that allow the user of atelephone to identify the source of an incoming telephone call. U.S.Pat. No. 5,692,038, to Kraus et al., the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein by reference, discloses a method for identifying thesource of a communication, including the steps of: receiving thecommunication on a calling line; identifying the calling line numberassociated with the calling line; accessing a database to provide anidentity for the source by finding a database entry corresponding to thecalling line number; announcing this identity to the source; andrequesting confirmation. U.S. Pat. No. 6,009,158, to Romero, thedisclosure of which is also hereby incorporated herein by reference,discloses a caller ID call-back device that allows a user toautomatically place telephone calls to selected directory numbers usingseveral dialing plans.

It would be advantageous to have a telephone answering system thatallows a user to provide a personalized caller specific greeting. Forexample, a home telephone user may wish to inform a contractor that theuser will be home at a certain hour in order to let the contractor in.The home telephone user, however, would not want to leave a generalanswering machine message informing all callers that the user would beaway from home and returning at a particular time. A personalized callerspecific greeting system would allow the home telephone user's answeringsystem to respond to a call from the contractor with a message such as“Thank you for your call, Ms. Jones will be home at 4:00 PM to let youinto the house,” while responding to other calls with a general messagesuch as “We cannot answer the phone right now, please leave a messagefor us after the tone.” Similarly, a business telephone user may wish toleave personalized caller specific greetings for specific clients etc.As will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, there are alarge number of potential uses for such a personalized caller specificgreeting system.

In addition to telephones, in recent years, the number of communicationdevices and their use, has increased dramatically. Examples ofcommunication devices include telephones, analog and digital cellularphones, pages, wireless email devices, personal digital assistants andthe like. Many such devices are able to directly access the world wideweb and/or corporate intranet sites.

Prior telephone answering systems often required a user to physicallyinteract with an answering machine in order to configure the machine.Alternatively, several types of answering machines were generallyconfigurable via telephone. It would be advantageous, however, to have atelephone answering system that was configurable via an electroniccommunications pathway such as the world wide web. It would be furtheradvantageous if such a telephone answering system provided forpersonalized caller specific greetings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a messaging system that overcomes thedisadvantages with prior systems and provides new advantages to itsusers. This messaging system allows a user to provide personalized,pre-created messages in response to incoming callers and electroniccommunications. In embodiments of the present invention, the messagingsystem may be configured remotely, for example via the internet/worldwide web.

According to the present invention, a messaging system comprises apre-created data message and a processing system. The processing systemcomprises a caller identification system and a database of specificmessages linked to specific caller identification data. The processingsystem is linked to a public switched telephone network, for example,through an intranet link including proper security measures, and to theworld wide web.

A user of the system may access the processing system through the worldwide web through a personal computer, personal digital assistant orwireless phone with internet capabilities. The processing systemmaintains an individual subscriber profile for the user that the usercan configure with specific messages, e.g. voice mail greetings and datamessages. The user may then control and specify which message isprovided to a particular caller. The subscriber profile comprisesinformation, including the subscriber's telephone number or numbers andcaller identification data for the subscriber of the type generallyfound in public switched telephone networks. In embodiments of thepresent invention, a user may also access the processing system via awire line or wireless telephone to configure their subscriber profilevia Voice XML.

For use, a user accesses his or her individual subscriber profile via apersonal computer or other means. The user then provides a list of oneor more telephone numbers that, if a call is received from, themessaging system will provide a customized, pre-created message to theparty placing the call to the subscriber. The telephone numbers areconverted to their respective caller identification (“caller id”) data.If a call is received by the subscriber, caller id data for call isobtained and the processing system is notified. The processing systemand queries the subscriber profile to determine whether the caller idfor the call matches a caller id specified by the subscriber. If so, theprocessing system provides the pre-created message entered by thesubscriber into the processing system. The message is returned throughthe public switched telephone network to the caller. In embodiments ofthe present invention the processing system may direct a service controlpoint (SCP) to direct a Service Switching Point (SSP) to route theincoming call to a specific network location, referred to herein as avoice/web gateway to receive the customized message.

This invention describes an entirely new messaging system. Thisinvention allows a user (such as a subscriber of this messaging service)to compose pre-created data messages for particular individuals and/orgroups. That is, the subscriber can compose individualized data messagesfor friends, family members, co-workers, and groups of people. When thesubscriber receives a telephone call, or an electronic communication,from an originating party (e.g., the friend or family member), thisinvention automatically replies with the particular pre-created datamessage intended for that originating party. The pre-created datamessage is communicated to the originating party, and the originatingparty may then read the automatically-replied data message.

This invention provides pre-created data messages. One of theembodiments receives a communication from an originating party, with thecommunication intended for a receiving party. The term “communication,”as used herein, can mean both a telephone call and/or a data message.The term “communication,” then, can be a familiar Plain Old TelephoneSystem call and can be an Internet Protocol call over a Voice-OverInternet Protocol communications network. The term “communication” mayalso include electronic communications, such as data messages using anInternet Protocol (e.g., email). When the communication is received, adatabase of pre-created data messages is accessed. The database stores apre-created data message having a common association between thereceiving party and the originating party. The pre-created data messageis then communicated. The term “pre-created data message” means anypreviously composed electronic communication message using an InternetProtocol. The pre-created data message may include data message, such asemails, instant messages, short messages, and packetized Voice-OverInternet Protocol communications.

Another of the embodiments describes another method for providingcommunications services. Here a communication is received from anoriginating party, with the communication intended for a receivingparty. A database of pre-created data messages is accessed. The databasestores multiple pre-created data messages associated with the receivingparty. One of the pre-created data messages is selected and communicatedvia an Internet Protocol communications network.

Other embodiments of this invention describe a system for providingcommunications services. A Communications Module is stored in a memorydevice, and a processor communicates with the memory device. TheCommunications Module receives a communication from an originating partythat is intended for a receiving party. The Communications Moduleaccesses a database of pre-created data messages. The database stores apre-created data message having a common association between thereceiving party and the originating party. The Communications Modulethen initiates a communication of the pre-created data message.

Still other embodiments of this invention describe a computer programproduct. A computer-readable medium stores a Communications Module. TheCommunications Module receives a communication from an originating partythat is intended for a receiving party. The Communications Moduleaccesses a database of pre-created data messages. The database stores apre-created data message having a common association between thereceiving party and the originating party. The Communications Modulethen initiates a communication of the pre-created data message.

An advantage of the present invention is that the subscriber profileinformation may be remotely accessed and configured. That is, asubscriber may utilize the world wide web, via a personal computer,personal digital assistant or wireless phone, to compose the pre-createdmessages. Thus, a subscriber may configure his or her information andprofile from locations remote from the phone receiving the incomingcalls. Another advantage of the present invention is that a subscribermay configure their profile utilizing Voice XML input. This aspect ofthe present invention allows the subscriber to update their profileremotely utilizing a voice link. A further advantage of the presentinvention is that a subscriber may configure their profile to deliverspecific pre-created messages, including customized data messages, tospecific incoming callers and to incoming electronic communications.

Other systems, methods, and/or computer program products according toembodiments will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art uponreview of the following drawings and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, and/or computerprogram products be included within this description, be within thescope of the present invention, and be protected by the accompanyingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the embodiments ofthe present invention are better understood when the following DetailedDescription of the Invention is read with reference to the accompanyingdrawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustrating the embodiments of thisinvention;

FIG. 2 depicts a possible operating environment for the embodiments ofthis invention

FIGS. 3-5 illustrate yet other possible operating environments for theembodiments of this invention;

FIG. 6 is another schematic illustrating the embodiments of thisinvention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing communicationsservices, according to the embodiments of this invention; and

FIGS. 8 and 9 are flowcharts illustrating still another method ofproviding communications services, according to even more embodiments ofthis invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention now will be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodimentsare shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many differentforms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments setforth herein. These embodiments are provided so that this disclosurewill be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of theinvention to those of ordinary skill in the art. Moreover, allstatements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well asspecific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural andfunctional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that suchequivalents include both currently known equivalents as well asequivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed thatperform the same function, regardless of structure).

Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill inthe art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the likerepresent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methodsembodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown inthe figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware aswell as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly,any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their functionmay be carried out through the operation of program logic, throughdedicated logic, through the interaction of program control anddedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique beingselectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinaryskill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware,software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described hereinare for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limitedto any particular named manufacturer.

This invention describes an entirely new messaging system. Thisinvention allows a user (such as a subscriber of this messaging service)to compose pre-created data messages for particular individuals and/orgroups. That is, the subscriber can compose individualized data messagesfor friends, family members, co-workers, and groups of people. When thesubscriber receives a telephone call, or an electronic communication,from an originating party (e.g., the friend or family member), thisinvention automatically replies with the particular pre-created datamessage intended for that originating party. The pre-created datamessage is communicated to the originating party, and the originatingparty may then read the automatically-replied data message.

The messaging system of this invention is easy to establish and to use.The subscriber accesses a user interface. The user interface allows thesubscriber to compose each pre-created data message. The user interfacethen asks the subscriber to associate each pre-created data message toany number of intended recipients. Each recipient can be identified byany identifying information. Each recipient, however, is most likelyidentified by their calling telephone number, their email address, theirlisting information, or any other Internet Protocol information (e.g.,their email address). The user interface also asks the subscriber toselect what event triggers the automatically-replied data message. Thesubscriber, for example, might want a calling party to automaticallyreceive a pre-created data message. If the subscriber receives an emailfrom a friend, the subscriber might want that friend to receive apre-created, automatically-replied email. The subscriber may also choosea pre-created data message when an Internet Protocol telephone call isreceived. The subscriber may even choose to have others notified when atelephone call is received. Each pre-created data message, in fact, maybe communicated to any destination of the subscriber's choosing, such asindividuals and/or groups (e.g., a “buddy list”).

This invention allows the subscriber to create personalized, pre-createdmessages for particular people. This invention differs from traditional“auto-reply” email software features in that the subscriber can composeunique, personalized messages for any number of recipients. Thesubscriber, for example, might compose one or more pre-created messagesfor family members and, yet, different pre-created messages forcoworkers. If a coworker should attempt to reach the subscriber (via atelephone call or an electronic communication) on a vacation day, thepre-created data message might read “I will be on vacation and willreturn Monday.” Should a family member, however, attempt to reach thesubscriber, the pre-created data message might read “We have gone skiingin the mountains, but we will return in time for Dave's birthday party.”The subscriber may even choose to compose pre-created data messages forparticular individuals. “Steve, we plan to arrive at your house Saturdayevening around 7 PM.” “Jane, the kids are sick, so we must cancel ourlunch.” “Mr. Jones, I will return to the office Monday, however, themonthly report is attached to this message.” “Team, because it israining, I have rescheduled baseball practice for Monday evening.” Thesubscriber simply composes whatever message is desired, and thesubscriber then associates that message to the individual recipient(s).

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic illustrating the embodiments of thisinvention. The embodiments of this invention include a CommunicationsModule 20. The Communications Module 20 comprises methods, systems,computer programs, and/or computer program products that providepre-created data messages in response to incoming communications. TheCommunications Module 20 operates within any computer system, such as acommunications server 22. The Communications Module 20 receives, ordetects receipt of, a communication 24 from an originating party 26. AsFIG. 1 illustrates, the term “communication” can mean a familiar PlainOld Telephone System (POTS) telephone call 28. The Communications Module20, as will be later explained, would then operate within thecommunications server 22 interfacing with a Public Switched TelephoneNetwork (PSTN) 30. The term “communication” may also include anelectronic communication 32, such as an email message, an instantmessage, a short messaging service, voice-over internet protocol (VoIP)calls, and/or other data messages, communicated via an Internet Protocolcommunications network 34. When the communication 24 is received, adatabase 36 of pre-created data messages is accessed. The database 36stores a pre-created data message 38 having a common association betweena receiving party and the originating party. The pre-created datamessage 38 is then retrieved and communicated via the Internet Protocolcommunications network 34.

FIG. 2 depicts another possible operating environment for theembodiments of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing theCommunications Module 20 residing in a computer system 40. The computersystem 40 may be any computing system (such as the communications server22 shown in FIG. 1) or any other computer device. As FIG. 2 shows, theCommunications Module 20 operates within a system memory device. TheCommunications Module 20, for example, is shown residing in a memorysubsystem 42. The Communications Module 20, however, could also residein flash memory 44 or a peripheral storage device 46. The computersystem 40 also has one or more central processors 48 executing anoperating system. The operating system, as is well known, has a set ofinstructions that control the internal functions of the computer system40. A system bus 50 communicates signals, such as data signals, controlsignals, and address signals, between the central processor 48 and asystem controller 52 (typically called a “Northbridge”). The systemcontroller 52 provides a bridging function between the one or morecentral processors 48, a graphics subsystem 54, the memory subsystem 42,and a PCI (Peripheral Controller Interface) bus 56. The PCI bus 56 iscontrolled by a Peripheral Bus Controller 58. The Peripheral BusController 58 (typically called a “Southbridge”) is an integratedcircuit that serves as an input/output hub for various peripheral ports.These peripheral ports are shown including a keyboard port 60, a mouseport 62, a serial port 64 and/or a parallel port 66 for a video displayunit, one or more external device ports 68, and networking ports 70(such as SCSI or Ethernet). The Peripheral Bus Controller 58 alsoincludes an audio subsystem 72. Those of ordinary skill in the artunderstand that the program, processes, methods, and systems describedin this patent are not limited to any particular computer system orcomputer hardware.

Those of ordinary skill in the art also understand the central processor48 is typically a microprocessor. Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., forexample, manufactures a full line of ATHLON™ microprocessors (ATHLON™ isa trademark of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc., One AMD Place, P.O. Box3453, Sunnyvale, Calif. 94088-3453, 408.732.2400, 800.538.8450,www.amd.com). The Intel Corporation also manufactures a family of X86and P86 microprocessors (Intel Corporation, 2200 Mission College Blvd.,Santa Clara, Calif. 95052-8119, 408.765.8080, www.intel.com). Othermanufacturers also offer microprocessors. Such other manufacturersinclude Motorola, Inc. (1303 East Algonquin Road, P.O. Box A3309Schaumburg, Ill. 60196, www.Motorola.com), International BusinessMachines Corp. (New Orchard Road, Armonk, N.Y. 10504, (914) 499-1900,www.ibm.com), and Transmeta Corp. (3940 Freedom Circle, Santa Clara,Calif. 95054, www.transmeta.com). Those skilled in the art furtherunderstand that the program, processes, methods, and systems describedin this patent are not limited to any particular manufacturer's centralprocessor.

The preferred operating system is the UNIX® operating system (UNIX® is aregistered trademark of the Open Source Group, www.opensource.org).Other UNIX-based operating systems, however, are also suitable, such asLINUX® or a RED HAT® LINUX-based system (LINUX® is a registeredtrademark of Linus Torvalds, and RED HAT® is a registered trademark ofRed Hat, Inc., Research Triangle Park, N.C., 1-888-733-4281,www.redhat.com). Other operating systems, however, are also suitable.Such other operating systems would include a WINDOWS-based operatingsystem (WINDOWS® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation, OneMicrosoft Way, Redmond Wash. 98052-6399, 425.882.8080,www.Microsoft.com). and Mac® OS (Mac® is a registered trademark of AppleComputer, Inc., 1 Infinite Loop, Cupertino, Calif. 95014, 408.996.1010,www.apple.com). Those of ordinary skill in the art again understand thatthe program, processes, methods, and systems described in this patentare not limited to any particular operating system.

The system memory device (shown as memory subsystem 42, flash memory 44,or peripheral storage device 46) may also contain an applicationprogram. The application program cooperates with the operating systemand with a video display unit (via the serial port 64 and/or theparallel port 66) to provide a Graphical User Interface (GUI). TheGraphical User Interface typically includes a combination of signalscommunicated along the keyboard port 60 and the mouse port 62. TheGraphical User Interface provides a convenient visual and/or audibleinterface with a user of the computer system 40.

FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate yet other possible operating environments forthe embodiments of this invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic showing theCommunications Module 20 operating within an intelligently-controlledcommunications network 74. This communications network 74 furtherrepresents an operating environment for the Communications Module 20.The communications network 74 includes a communications switch 76 of thePublic Switched Telephone Network 30. The communications switch 76includes Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) componentry 78 controllingmany features of the communications switch 76. The Advanced IntelligentNetwork (AIN) componentry 78 includes the Communications Module 20operating within the computer system (shown as reference numeral 40 inFIG. 2). The communications switch 76 and the Advanced IntelligentNetwork (AIN) componentry 78 interface with the Internet Protocolcommunications network 34. The Internet Protocol communications network34 may also communicate with the communications server 22, and theCommunications Module 20 resides within the communications server 22.The signaling between the communications switch 76, the Public SwitchedTelephone Network 30, the Advanced Intelligent Network 78, and theInternet Protocol communications network 34, however, is well understoodin the art and will not be further described. If a reader desires a moredetailed explanation, the reader is directed to U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,719issued to Weisser (Jul. 4, 1995), with the “Summary of the Invention”and the “Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment” sectionsincorporated herein by reference. The reader is also directed to U.S.Pat. No. 5,917,817 issued to Dunn et al. (Jun. 29, 1999), with the“Summary of the Invention” and, the “Detailed Description” sectionsincorporated herein by reference.

As FIG. 3 illustrates, the Communications Module 20 receives, or detectsthe receipt of, the communication 24. Here the communication 24 is thePlain Old Telephone System (POTS) telephone call 28. The telephone call28 originates from the originating party 26, and the telephone call 28is intended to terminate at a receiving party 80. The telephone call 28is communicated via the Public Switched Telephone Network 30 andreceived at the communications switch 76. The Advanced IntelligentNetwork componentry 78 suspends processing of the telephone call 28 andconsults the Communications Module 20. The Communications Module 20determines whether the receiving party 80 subscribes to the messagingservice of this invention. If the receiving party is a subscriber tothis messaging service, the Communications Module 20 then accesses thedatabase 36 of pre-created data messages. The database 36 of pre-createddata messages is shown remotely located and communicating with theInternet Protocol communications network 34. The database 36 ofpre-created data messages, however, could alternatively or additionallybe locally located with the Advanced Intelligent Network componentry 78and/or the communications server 22. The database 36 of pre-created datamessages maps the receiving party, the originating party, and at leastone pre-created data message. The Communications Module 20 queries thedatabase 36 for the pre-created data message 38 having a commonassociation between a receiving party and the originating party. If amatch is found, the pre-created data message 38 is then retrieved andcommunicated via the Internet Protocol communications network 34.

FIG. 4 further illustrates communication of the pre-created data message38. Once the pre-created data message 38 is retrieved, the pre-createddata message 38 may then be communicated to various destinations. AsFIG. 4 shows, the pre-created data message 38 may be wirelesslycommunicated via a wireless communications network 82. The pre-createddata message 38 may communicate to a Mobile Switching Center 84 (shownas “MSC”) via the communications switch 76. The pre-created data message38 would then be broadcast to an Internet Protocol communications device86. The pre-created data message 38 may also communicate to a pagercommunications network 88 via the Internet Protocol communicationsnetwork 34 and/or the communications switch 76. The pre-created datamessage 38 may also be wirelessly communicated using any other frequencywithin the electromagnetic spectrum, such as the Industrial, Scientific,and Medical (shown as “ISM”) band and/or any wireless communicationstandard, such as the I.E.E.E. 802 family of standards (both shown asreference numeral 90). The wireless communications network 82 may alsoinclude satellite communications systems and microwave communicationssystems.

FIG. 5 is similar to FIG. 4, yet FIG. 5 illustrates a packet-networkarchitecture. This packet network represents an alternative operatingenvironment for the Communications Module 20. Here the communicationsswitch 76 is a packet-based “softswitch.” This softswitch 76 usessoftware control to provide voice, data, and video services bydynamically changing its connection data rates and protocols types. Anapplication server 92 interfaces with the softswitch 76 via a packetprotocol, such as the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). Thisapplication server 92 includes voice service protocols, triggers, and/oroperations that allow the Public Switched Telephone Network 30 and theInternet Protocol communications network 34 to interoperate.

The embodiments of this invention are particularly useful for messagingsystems. As FIGS. 3-5 illustrate, once the pre-created data message 38is retrieved, the pre-created data message 38 may then be communicatedto various destinations. The pre-created data message 38, for example,could be forwarded to any number of IP Addresses that a subscriber mightspecify. The subscriber could compose pre-created data messages forindividuals and/or for groups. The subscriber could may associate aparticular data message to an individual and/or a group (e.g., a “buddylist” or a group distribution list). The pre-created data message 38might be forwarded to the originating party (shown as reference numeral26 in FIG. 1) as an automatic response to the incoming telephone call orelectronic communication (shown, respectively, as reference numerals 24and 32 in FIG. 1). The pre-created data message 38 could also beforwarded to any other destination(s) the subscriber might specify.

The subscriber might specify personalized, pre-created messages forparticular people. This invention allows the subscriber to compose thepre-created data message 38 and then associate that message 38 toindividuals. The subscriber, for example, might compose one or morepre-created messages for family members and different pre-createdmessages for coworkers. If a coworker should attempt to reach thesubscriber (via the telephone call 28 or the electronic communication 32in FIG. 1) on a vacation day, the pre-created data message 38 might read“I will be on vacation and will return Monday.” Should a family member,however, attempt to reach the subscriber, the pre-created data message38 might read “We have gone to the beach, and we will join John's familyfor Sunday dinner.” The subscriber may even choose to composepre-created data messages for particular individuals. “John, we plan toarrive at your house Sunday evening around 6 PM.” “Mary, could you bringpotato salad to John's?” “Mr. Jones, I will return to the office Monday,however, the monthly report is attached to this message.” “Team, becauseit is raining, I have rescheduled baseball practice for Monday evening.”The subscriber simply composes whatever message is desired, and thesubscriber then associates that message to the individual(s). Thesubscriber would most likely associate the message to the email addressof the recipient party (e.g., the originating party 26 of thecommunication 24). The subscriber, however, could associate the messageto whatever Internet Protocol address/identifier corresponds to therecipient party/parties.

FIG. 6 is another schematic illustrating the embodiments of thisinvention. FIG. 6 shows another method of providing communicationsservices. FIG. 6 is similar to FIG. 1. Here, however, when thepre-created data message 38 is chosen, the pre-created data message 38is selected based upon a common association between the originatingparty 26 (e.g., the calling party or the sender of the electroniccommunication 32) and an additional condition 94. The database 36 storesmultiple pre-created data messages associated with the receiving party.That is, the receiving party of the communication 24 (whether thetelephone call 28 or the electronic communication 32) can compose,store, and associate multiple pre-created data messages. A subscriber ofthis messaging service, then, can associate the originating party, aparticular pre-created message, and the additional condition 94. Theadditional condition 94 can be any condition the subscriber/receivingparty can logically describe.

The additional condition 94 could be a time/date. The subscriber mightspecify a particular pre-created data message for particular times ofthe day and/or days of the week. The subscriber, for example, mightspecify that if the telephone call 28 is received after 9 PM, and before6 AM, the telephone call is not processed. The pre-created data message38 is, instead, sent to an Internet Protocol address associated with theoriginating party 26 (e.g., the calling party). The pre-created datamessage 38 might read “We do not accept telephone calls after 9 PM.Please feel free to reply to this message and we will contact you in themorning.” If the subscriber has a field inspection each Wednesday, thesubscriber might specify that the originating party receive thepre-created data message 38 saying “Today is Wednesday, and I will beout of the office.” As those of ordinary skill in the art should nowunderstand, the subscriber might specify any number of pre-created datamessages for particular times of the day and/or days of the week.

The additional condition 94 could be entries in an electronic calendar.If the subscriber maintains an electronic calendar accessible via theInternet Protocol communications network 34, the Communications Module20 could interface with that calendar. The Communications Module 20could select the pre-created data message 38 based upon a commonassociation between the originating party 26 and an entry in thesubscriber's electronic calendar. The Communications Module 20 couldretrieve the entry in the calendar and automatically assemble thepre-created message 38. The subscriber, for example, might specify thegeneric message “From [start time] to [end time] I am in a meeting.” TheCommunications Module 20 would access the calendar, retrieve the meetingtimes, and then complete the message. When the communication 24 isreceived, the pre-created data message 38 might read “From 10 AM to11:30 AM I am in a meeting.” If the calendar entry denotes a vacationday, the pre-created data message 38 might read “Today is Tuesday, and Iwill be on vacation. I will return to the office on Monday, June 5th.”

The Communications Module 20 might also use calendar entries to assemblepre-created messages for individuals. The subscriber, as before, couldcompose the pre-created data message 38 and then associate that message38 to one or individuals. The subscriber, for example, might compose“Mom, here is my calendar for [date]. I will call you as soon as I amfree.” If the subscriber's mother should call or electronicallycommunicate, the Communications Module 20 retrieves the subscriber'scalendar entries for the present day (or week or any other time/day).The subscriber's mother would then receive the pre-created data message38 “Mom, here is my calendar for Thursday, June 8th. 9 AM-10 AM meetingwith Mr. Jones, 11:30 AM-1:30 PM group luncheon, 3 PM-5 PM conferencecall with Loa Angeles office. I will call you as soon as I am free.” Thesubscriber simply composes whatever message is desired, with the desiredcalendar content, and the subscriber then associates that message to theindividual(s).

The Communications Module 20 might also use other electronic trackingentries to assemble pre-created messages for individuals. Suppose, forexample, the subscriber maintains an electronic task or “to do” list.The subscriber might specify that when a task is completed, theCommunications Module 20 should automatically assemble the message“Doris, on [date] I have just completed the task of [task description].”When the subscriber completes or dismisses the task, the CommunicationsModule 20 retrieves the task description and composes “Doris, on June14th I have just completed the task of paint office walls.” If thesubscriber maintains electronic notes, the subscriber might specify thatwhen a particular person calls or electronically communicates, theCommunications Module 20 automatically assembles the message “Dave, thismeeting is lasting longer than I thought. Here are my notes thus far.”The Communications Module 20 then inserts the meeting notes. As those ofordinary skill in the art now understand, the Communications module 20can interface with any electronic data and associate that electronicdata to particular individuals.

The additional condition 94 could also be presence and/or availabilityinformation. The Communications Module 20 could use presence andavailability information to compose the pre-created data message 38. Theterm “presence” means the subscriber, or one of the subscriber'sInternet Protocol communications device (such as that shown as referencenumeral 86 in FIGS. 4 and 5), has established a presence with thecommunications network 74. The term “availability” asks whether thesubscriber is available to receive communications services and, if so,how the subscriber is available. When the communications network 74detects that the subscriber's wireless phone, for example, is poweredand operating, the communications network 74 would know the subscriberis “present” at the wireless phone. The communications network 74 couldthen automatically route telephone calls and electronic communicationsto the subscriber's wireless phone. The communications network 74,likewise, could detect the subscriber's presence when the subscriberlogs on to the Internet Protocol communications network 34 and is, thus,available to send and receive electronic messages and othercommunications.

Even though the subscriber may have a presence, the subscriber may notbe available to receive communications. Although the communicationsnetwork 74, for example, may detect the presence of the subscriber'swireless phone, the subscriber may not wish to receive calls. Thesubscriber would then not be available to receive communications. Thesubscriber, alternatively, may be available only for certain callingparty telephone numbers, such as the subscriber's home telephone number.The subscriber may also only be available for certain email addresses orother Internet Protocol identifiers/information.

The Communications Module 20 may use presence and availabilityinformation to compose the pre-created data message 38. Suppose thesubscriber initiates a call using a wireless communications device (suchas a cellular phone). The communications network 74 processes the calland, thus, knows the subscriber has a “presence” at the cellular phone.Should the subscriber then receive the POTS telephone call 28, thesubscriber might specify that the Communications module 20 suspendprocessing of the telephone call 28 and, instead, return communicate thedata message “I am on the phone, but I will promptly return your call.Please feel free to reply with a detailed message.” Similarly, eventhough the subscriber has a presence at the cellular phone, thesubscriber may not wish to receive calls to the cellular number. In thiscase the subscriber does not have “availability,” so the subscribermight specify that the Communications module 20 suspend processing ofincoming cellular calls and, instead, return communicate the datamessage “I am not available to receive your call, but please feel freeto reply with a detailed message.” Another example might involve masselectronic communications, commonly called “spamming.” If theCommunications Module 20 detects receipt of a spam electroniccommunication (whether email, facsimile, or other method), thesubscriber might specify that the pre-created data message “Pleaseremove this address from your mailing list” be sent. These are but asmall example of how the subscriber might use presence and availabilityinformation to reduce unwanted intrusions and/or disturbances.

The additional condition 94 could also be search criteria/criterion.That is, the Communications Module 20 could select the pre-created datamessage 38 based upon a search of another database. The subscriber couldspecify whatever search criteria is desirable, and the CommunicationsModule 20 could search any database/computer system communicating withthe Internet Protocol communications network 34. Suppose again, forexample, the subscriber coaches a baseball team. The subscriber couldcompose two data messages, depending upon the weather. When a member ofthe baseball teams calls or electronically communicates, theCommunications Module 20 could be instructed to retrieve the localweather report via the Internet Protocol communications network 34. Theadditional condition 94, then, would be “weather” retrieved from awebsite (perhaps www.weather.com, www.bellsouth.net, a localtelevision/radio station's website, or any other weather outlet) ormonitoring equipment. If the additional condition 94 indicatessunny/fair weather, the subscriber might specify that the CommunicationsModule 20 return communicates the data message “We will have baseballpractice at 5 PM.” If, however, the additional condition 94 indicatesrain/poor weather, the subscriber might specify that the CommunicationsModule 20 return communicate the data message “Baseball practice iscanceled for [today]. We will reschedule for [tomorrow]” (note thisexample also accesses calendar entries and group listings). Thesubscriber might also specify that the search criterion is a sportingoutcome. If the Atlanta Braves win the World Series, the subscribermight specify that the Communications Module 20 return communicate thedata message “Braves won! Meet me at Don's Bistro!” If, however, theBraves lose, the pre-created data message 38 might read “Braves lost.I'm in no mood to socialize.” The additional condition 94, then, wouldbe a “sports score” retrieved from a website (perhaps www.espn.com,www.bellsouth.net, a local television/radio station's website, or anyother sports outlet). The search criteria/criterion may be any dataretrievable via the Internet Protocol communications network 34, such asnews events, travel conditions, and health/medical information. Those ofordinary skill in the art, however, recognize that the possible searchcriteria/criterion are too numerous to list. Those of ordinary skill inthe art understand, then, that the additional condition 94 can be anyinformation retrievable via a local memory and/or via the InternetProtocol communications network 34.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing communicationsservices, according to the embodiments of this invention. Acommunication is received from an originating party (Block 96). Thecommunication is intended for a receiving party. The communication maybe a telephone call intended to terminate at the receiving party (Block98). The communication may also be a data message addressed to thereceiving party (Block 100). A database of pre-created data messages isaccessed (Block 102). The database stores a pre-created data messagehaving a common association between the receiving party and theoriginating party. The pre-created data message is then communicated(Block 104) via an Internet Protocol, communications (“comm”) network(Block 106), via a wireless communications (“comm”) network (Block 108),and/or via a pager communications (“comm”) network (Block 110). Thepre-created data message may be communicated to the originating party(Block 112) and/or to another destination (Block 114). Anacknowledgement may be communicated (Block 116) to confirm that thepre-created data message was communicated and/or received. Theacknowledgment may be initiated by the destination. The acknowledgmentmay also be initiated by the Communications Module (shown as referencenumeral 20 in FIGS. 1-6).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another method of providingcommunications services, according to the embodiments of this invention.A communication is received from an originating party (Block 118). Thecommunication is intended for a receiving party. The communication maybe a telephone call intended to terminate at the receiving party (Block120). The communication may also be a data message addressed to thereceiving party (Block 122). A database of pre-created data messages isaccessed (Block 124). The database stores multiple pre-created datamessages associated with the receiving party. One of the pre-createddata messages is selected (Block 126). The data message may be selectedbased upon a common association between the originating party and anadditional condition (Block 128). The additional condition is specifiedby the receiving party. The additional condition may be a time of a daythat the communication is received (Block 130), an entry in anelectronic calendar (Block 132), presence information (Block 134),and/or a search of another database (Block 136).

The flowchart continues with FIG. 9. After the data message is selected,the data message is communicated (Block 138) via an Internet Protocolcommunications network (Block 140) and/or via a wireless communicationsnetwork (Block 142). One of the pre-created data messages may becommunicated to the originating party (Block 144) and/or to anotherdestination (Block 146). An acknowledgement may be communicated (Block148) to confirm that the pre-created data message was communicatedand/or received.

The Communications Module may also be physically embodied on or in anyaddressable (e.g., HTTP, I.E.E.E. 802.11, Wireless Application Protocol(WAP)) wireless device capable of accepting/presenting an IP address.Examples could include a computer, a wireless personal digital assistant(PDA), an Internet Protocol mobile phone, or a wireless pager.

While the present invention has been described with respect to variousfeatures, aspects, and embodiments, those skilled and unskilled in theart will recognize the invention is not so limited. Other variations,modifications, and alternative embodiments may be made without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

1. A method, comprising: receiving caller identification informationassociated with a call to a called number; querying a profile databasefor a profile associated with the called number; querying the profilefor the caller identification information; and when the profile containsthe caller identification information, then retrieving a customizedmessage associated with the caller identification information.
 2. Themethod according to claim 1, further comprising routing the customizedmessage to a calling party.
 3. The method according to claim 1, furthercomprising generating the caller identification information associatedwith the call.
 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein retrievingthe customized message comprises retrieving a recorded message.
 5. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein retrieving the customized messagecomprises retrieving a computer generated message.
 6. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein retrieving the customized messagecomprises retrieving a text-based, alphanumeric message.
 7. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein retrieving the customized messagecomprises retrieving an electronic greeting.
 8. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising storing a user interface that accesses theprofile.
 9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising storingemail notification data in the profile.
 10. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising storing user configurations to the profile.11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising receivingidentification information for the called number.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising sending an instruction todeliver the customized message, according to the profile.
 13. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising sending an instruction to linka port on a gateway to connect the call to the customized message. 14.The method according to claim 1, wherein when the profile does notcontain the caller identification information, then sending aninstruction to link a port on a gateway to connect the call to a generalmessage.
 15. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the profiledoes not contain the caller identification information, then sending aninstruction to connect the call to the called number.
 16. The methodaccording to claim 1, wherein receiving the caller identificationinformation comprises receiving a calling number.
 17. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising linking the calleridentification information to the customized message.
 18. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising receiving a password with thecall to authenticate a calling party.
 19. A system, comprising: meansfor receiving caller identification information associated with a callto a called number; means for querying a profile database for a profileassociated with the called number; means for querying the profile forthe caller identification information; and when the profile contains thecaller identification information, then means for retrieving acustomized message associated with the caller identificationinformation.
 20. A memory storing instructions for performing a method,the method comprising: receiving caller identification informationassociated with a call to a called number; querying a profile databasefor a profile associated with the called number; querying the profilefor the caller identification information; and when the profile containsthe caller identification information, then retrieving a customizedmessage associated with the caller identification information.